Table of contents for 17-2023 in Best

Last week, I went to see Tina: The Musical. The music is unsurprisingly brilliant and is the reason this show has run at the Aldwych Theatre in London for the past five years. As well as the belting voice of Kristina Love (who, by the way, can move just like the star, too), it’s a brutally honest account of Tina’s life and Ike Turner’s manipulative rage. ‘Why,’ I hear you ask, ‘would anyone want to see that?’ Because it’s a story of triumph over adversity would be my answer. Neglected as a child, Anna Mae Bullock from Nutbush, Tennessee, was subject to racism and abuse for decades, but this musical is also the story of a woman who let nothing stand in the way of her hurricane voice, and finally…

It’s no secret that former Countdown star Carol Vorderman is one of the many favourite I’m a Celebrity contestants who took part in the South African All-Stars show – airing on Monday. In the latest advert for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Carol (who originally entered the Aussie jungle in 2016) and former soap star Helen Flanagan (from the 2012 show), faced their first Bushtucker Trials… Unlike the original show, I’m a Celebrity… South Africa has been pre-recorded, allowing for a ‘brutal’ format twist, which will involve the contestants going head-to-head in terrifying trials. The duo could be seen crawling on a plank, which hung mid-air over the side of a mountain, while another saw the contestants tasked with eating animal body parts. These are just the…

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? This year’s trend is a streamlined skincare routine and there’s no better multitasker than niacinamide. Great for all skin types, it can also help those with eczema, rosacea and acne by supporting the skin barrier, soothing redness and fighting breakouts, while brightening the tone of the complexion. And its benefits are easily reaped, even at low concentrations. When applied topically, it works with your skin’s natural chemistry to help strengthen its outer layers by boosting levels of plumping fatty acids in the skin. Its antioxidant properties also help stimulate keratinocytes (the primary type of cell found in the epidermis), and both of these actions help enhance the skin barrier. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO USE IT? Niacinamide usually comes in percentages from two per cent…

Strawberries Tea Cupcakes Easy all-in-one cupcake filled with a secret strawberries and cream centre. Topped with pillowy meringue frosting – that’s reason to celebrate! Hands-on time: 30min, plus cooling. Cooking time: About 25min Makes 18 FOR THE CAKES • 250g unsalted butter, very soft• 250g caster sugar• 4 medium eggs• 250g self-raising flour• 1tbsp vanilla extract FOR THE FILLING AND ICING • 250g fresh strawberries (hulled weight), chopped• 20g cornflour• 40g caster sugar• 100g double cream• 3 medium egg whites• 125g caster sugar• 3tbsp liquid glucose• ½tsp vanilla extract 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/mark 4. To make the cakes, line 18 holes in 2 x 12 hole muffin tins with paper cases. In a large bowl, using a handheld electric whisk, beat butter, sugar, eggs, flour and vanilla…

Maya Bhose (below) had a successful career in marketing and brand development for more than 25 years, when she moved to the charity sector during the pandemic, something she’d wanted to do for a while. Maya, 61, then took a short career break but when she tried to get back into the work market, she struggled to find a job. ‘I applied for 30 jobs in six months and got only one interview,’ she recalls. ‘I can’t prove it was my age but I have a wealth of experience, skills and an impressive CV.’ She says she feels there are a range of reasons employers do not want to employ older workers. ‘I think they worry about how they are going to manage someone who may be the age of…

1 Where was King Charles born? A) Buckingham Palace B) Windsor Castle C) Balmoral 2 In an infamous interview what did HRH say in answer to the question of whether he and Diana were in love? A) Very much so. B) None of your business! C) Whatever ‘in love’ means… 3 Charles met Lady Diana Spencer in 1977. But the future King was actually at Althorp Estate to visit who? A) Diana’s big sister, Sarah B) An old university pal C) His accountant 4 A worldwide TV audience of how many watched Charles and Diana’s wedding, broadcast on July 29, 1981? A) 250 million B) 500 million  C) 750 million 5 At which posh sporting event did Charles and Camilla have a long history of meeting? A) Polo B) Golf C) Croquet 6 Charles is the first…

Former Love Island host and mum-of-one (she has a daughter, Stevie, two) – Irish ex-model Laura Whitmore is brightening up our Sundays with new ITV chat show Laura Whitmore’s Breakfast Show, welcoming some celeb friends to her new studio home-from-home for a chinwag, plus some new music to get you into that Sunday mood. Here, the blonde bombshell, who turns 38 next week and has been married to Scottish comedian Iain Stirling for three years, tells us about typical Sundays, star interviews, her professional bucket-list and more… Laura, how does it feel to have your own lifestyle show? I can’t even think of a word to describe how I feel, but it’s kind of a dream to be honest and an honour as well. It’s something to have fun with also,…

NEW DAIRY MILK FRUITIER & NUTTIER TRAIL MIX, £2.50 De-lic-ious! A moreish mix of fruits, nuts and Dairy Milk buttons are a perfect treat bowl snack… if you love Cadbury Fruit & Nut bars, these are even fruiter – and nuttier! ★★★★ M&S LAYERED SPECULOOS & CARAMEL ITALIAN GELATO, £5.25 Ice cream and a spoon. Filled with cinnamon biscuits and crumbled with caramel sauce, we had to stop ourselves from eating an entire tub each in one sitting! ★★★★★ THE TRUFFLE FRIED CHICKEN BURGER, HONEST BURGERS, £14 Saturday night takeaway, anyone? Truffle lovers, this one’s for you! This incredible burger combines fried chicken drizzled in honey with a chicken truffle mayonnaise and truffle shoestring fries. The tasty treat from honestburgers.co.uk will be available for delivery to your door from now…

Dr Hilary Jones has been the resident TV GP on ITV for years, dispensing vital information to viewers. The 69-year-old, who has been married to his third wife Dee Thresher since 2016, has also taken to fiction writing – and most recently, as adviser to fly the flag for Eroxon – a ground-breaking gel tackling the still all-too-taboo topic of erectile dysfunction. Here, the good doctor tells us more… Dr Hilary! How’s life at ITV these days? Oh, on GMB and Lorraine we’re like a little family. We genuinely do get on really well. We meet in the morning before the show and while we’re preparing, we have a catch-up, a joke and then dive into the programme. Lorraine Kelly, for instance, I’ve worked with for over 30 years –…

It’s believed Henry Croft was the first Pearly King, an orphan road sweeper and rat-catcher, who collected money for charity. During the 1800s, street sellers – known as costermongers – wore trousers that were adorned with pearl buttons at the seams, which were usually found by market traders. In Victorian London, they imitated the wealthy West End society, sewing the shiny buttons into their hand-me down waistcoats and caps. By the late 1870s, Croft took this design further and created a sequin suit to help him raise money – making him the original Pearly King. He was thought to have raised £5,000 for London hospitals. His funeral was attended by 400 followers in January 1930, and he later received a memorial in St Pancras Cemetery, London. Since then, Pearly King and…

HOW IT WORKS • TV’s Doctor Amir Khan believes much of the food scraps we throw away can be turned into healthy, nutritious meals. He says: ‘When you’re preparing veg and salads, instead of chucking the ends of carrots, broccoli and corn, blend them into soups, the same works for over ripe fruit.’ • Leftover pasta can be used as a salad base. Add pre-cooked chopped veg to pasta and mix with low-fat mayonnaise or add chopped leftover spuds to a tortilla, or bubble and squeak, with greens, pan-fried in olive oil – you can serve with cooked chicken or fish. Low calorie and cheap to make. • Clare Rice (whoopsiecooking.com) makes a point of hunting down food that’s just about to go out of date to save food waste…

With her bubbly persona and infectious laugh, This Morning presenter Alison Hammond, has quite rightly earned her ‘national treasure’ status. So, it came as a shock to fans when news surfaced last week that the 48-year-old had reportedly been ‘axed’ from a planned BBC reboot… The series Friends Like These – originally hosted by Ant & Dec – filmed a pilot last month with Alison and Vernon Kay as its new hosts, but bosses have allegedly decided not to go ahead with a full series. The original show saw two groups of real-life friends compete in various games, in a bid to win a holiday. It lasted for six seasons, running until 2003… but it looks as if a reboot of the show with its fun-loving new hosts won’t be…

BLENDED FAMILIES… I adore my new boyfriend, I just don’t really know how to deal with his teenage children. My own kids are so polite and very welcoming of anyone that comes into our home, but I can’t say the same for his. I understand I’m the first woman they’ve met since their parents separated during Covid, but there’s only so much time and lenience I can give them… what can I do? Steph, North London The key word here is ‘new’. Don’t for Heaven’s sake muscle in on your new boyfriend’s children and start disciplining them. It is up to him to tackle his offspring. Who knows how hurt they have been by their parents’ split or how badly affected by lockdown. Step back. Be kind and cut them…

QUeen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz arrived in Britain as a teenager to marry King George III, and theirs would become a happy marriage, with celebrated Georgians flocking to their court. Yet hers was also a life increasingly blighted by tragedy. Following Golda Rosheuvel’s star turn as the Queen Consort in Netflix drama Bridgerton, and with India Ria Amarteifio set to play the young Queen in spin-off, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, we look back at her life… It wasn’t the best beginning for a great Royal romance. Queen Charlotte first laid eyes on her husband on their wedding day. She was 17 years old, spoke not a word of English and had arrived at St James’s Palace at 3.30pm on 8 September 1761 – the wedding day. Crowds lined the streets…

Available in-store at The Works & online at theworks.co.uk We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new collection of craft kits on sale exclusively at The Works. Everything you need is included in the box, so you can learn new skills, make beautiful keepsakes and even give your finished creations as gifts. The joy doesn't stop there, as every kit includes clever ideas for upcycling the cardboard box, as well as links to further crafting inspiration online. PRODUCED WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND All our craft boxes are 100% FSC certified and fully recyclable, and we encourage you to reuse all the packaging, too, from the tissue paper to the cardboard box. We've also worked to reduce the number of plastic components in our crafts. Exclusively at Scan the QR code…

Swedish presenter Ulrika Jonsson has admitted that there’s something getting her goat recently – and she can’t be the only one it’s caused a few exasperated eye-rolls over! It is, she says, a new way of talking that the star feels more and more people are adopting – ‘therapy speak’ – conversation peppered with phrases such as ‘coping mechanisms’, ‘centreing ourselves’, ‘being present’, ‘sitting with our discomfort’ and ‘setting boundaries’. And she believes it risks us losing the most vital of tools – that of simple communication. ‘About a year ago, I heard someone tell their partner they wish they would “hold space” for them, and I felt like I was in a foreign country’, admitted the 55-year-old in a recent newspaper column. ‘Turns out, it simply means focusing on…

The signpost says four miles but the sat nav says five. I feel the familiar stirring of nerves. That loss of confidence which permeates this new life. The struggle – embarrassing and ridiculous – to cope these days with even the smallest uncertainty. Four miles or five – what does it matter? I do my chant in my head. You got this, Elloise. You’re fine. I picture myself arriving at the cottage, conjuring the image from the website. The thatch. The glossy red door. I try to see myself safe and smiling as I take my small case from the boot then walk up the path. But there’s that new voice. What if the sat nav directs me down some unmade, single-track road? What if I get stuck? Mud. A…

PETER PAN & WENDY In UK cinemas from Friday A remake of the Disney original where Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson), a young girl looking to avoid boarding school, meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Wendy, her brothers, and Tinker Bell travel with Peter to the magical world of Neverland, where she encounters evil Captain Hook (Jude Law). BRIDESMAIDS Netflix When an unemployed baker becomes her best friend’s maid-of-honour, she almost ruins the big day due to her competition with the other bridesmaids. Starring Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, you’ll be laughing for most of it… KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES Channel 4, Wednesday, 1.55am The Gaffneys (Isla Fisher and Zach Galifianakis) are baffled by the arrival of their new neighbours, The Jones (John Hamm and Gal…

Introducing Jo Brand at the Comedy Women in Print Awards, where she was awarded the Game Changer Award, comedian Kathy Lette pointed out that Jo does not like being called a ‘national treasure’. But there’s no doubt that her status as comedian, writer and presenter has been earned. When she began her career as a stand-up, women in comedy were as rare as hen’s teeth. But her frank and feisty take-no-prisoners approach soon got her noticed, even while she was still working in her day job – as a psychiatric nurse. ‘Laughter is definitely the best medicine. Except perhaps when it comes to impotence,’ she quipped, while accepting her award at a ceremony at London’s Groucho Club. ‘I am absolutely delighted. I want to thank anyone that’s ever not slagged…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT From street parties to concerts, celebrations for the Coronation are being held across the land. Buckingham Palace has been the main Royal residence since 1837, ever since Queen Victoria first ascended the throne – and it’s where the King will kick off celebrations by waving from the balcony (alongside our other working Royals). So, can anywhere be better to be than London for this historical moment? Even if you miss the weekend itself, it’s always worth visiting the heart of where the action will be. INSIDER’S GUIDE Hot on the heels of the Coronation, London will be looking at its finest this Summer. Home to Buckingham Palace, St James’s (built by Henry VIII and now used mainly for functions), Kensington Palace (loved by Princess Diana) and Clarence House,…

He is famed for his risqué banter – once making Carol Vorderman say ‘sausage’ suggestively on-air, telling former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith she had to dance the samba with her ‘t*ts out’, and describing his Strictly partner Ruth Langsford as looking ‘fine’! And cheeky Anton Du Beke was up to his old tricks again, leaving Susanna Reid stunned when he recently stopped by the GMB sofa. Anton joined Susanna and her co-host, ex politician Ed Balls, to discuss his upcoming nationwide tour, An Audience with Anton Du Beke, which will see the ballroom dancer and Strictly judge take to the stage with his live band, a guest singer, and a group of dancers for a night of ‘song, dance and laughter’. Of course, as both Ed, 56, and Susanna, 52,…

Linda Nolan is currently fighting the battle of her life, as she continues to receive treatment for cancer – while trying to make the most out of every moment. That’s enough turmoil for anyone. But as close friends and family have revealed to best, a series of vicious, deeply personal attacks on social media are also taking their toll on the Blackpool native… She is, without a doubt, one of the most courageous women in showbiz. Linda Nolan, of The Nolans, has been fighting cancer again, after being first diagnosed in 2005. Linda, along with sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen, actress Bernie – who tragically died of breast cancer in 2013, aged just 52 – and Loose Woman Coleen, catapulted to fame in the Seventies as The Nolan Sisters. Following a…

‘How about this for a headline: “Want your marriage to last? Always put your husband first”. This is from a couple of women too, the writers of bestselling Nineties handbook The Rules. Its whole reason for being was to help those who identified with the desperate singletons in Sex and the City to “snare” a man. They made millions from it, hence the new beefed-up p*ss-take The Rules Handbook. Except this time, they’re absolutely right. I know I’m supposed to be as mad as hell about it, but I’m not. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to start behaving like a Fifties housewife, but I know what I need to do to achieve harmony. As I always say, men are quite simple creatures, and are more tuned into their…

Scratching my French Bulldog, Coco, behind the ears, she looked at me lovingly with her cute brown eyes. ‘Shall we go for walkies?’ I asked. My pet pooch and I were inseparable. I’d been single for a year and there was no doubt she was my closest companion… and the closest I ever got to romance was a stroll across a sunset beach with her! Not that I was complaining… She gave me unconditional love, ate all her dinners without complaining, liked a cuddle on the sofa and never left her dirty washing on the floor. Unlike most men! Sometimes Coco even came with me when I popped into a local pub near my home in Kent, where my friend Petrina was the pub manager. I usually ordered a pink…

According to The Health Foundation, in the next 25 years the number of people older than 85 will double to 2.6 million. The 2021 Census revealed there are almost 11 million people in the UK aged 65 and over already. In 10 years’ time this will have increased to 13 million, almost 22 per cent of the population and, in less than 20 years, one in four people will be over 65. The implications for the NHS and social care are vast, estimates by the Department of Health say medical conditions suffered by the elderly already account for 70 per cent of total health and social care in England. As a parliamentary report stated: ‘Vastly improved life expectancy – one of the great triumphs, of the last century – looks…

IS IT SAFE TO ORDER ONLINE? My friend recently confided in me that she has been buying sleeping pills off the internet. I think they are imported from abroad. I don’t think this can be a good idea, but she told me to chill out and said it couldn’t be anything to worry about. What do you think? Anneka, Bolton DR HILARY SAYS: I agree, this is a bad idea. Self-prescribing sleeping pills without a doctor’s advice and without a prescription, is asking for trouble. Sedatives do not address the root cause of the problem, and can easily lead to tolerance and long-term addiction. This, in turn, can cause rebound insomnia and troublesome withdrawal symptoms. Obtaining these medicines on the internet is fraught with even more danger. The source is…

It seems hard to imagine now but it really wasn’t so very long ago that Queen Camilla had an unofficial title ‘the most hated woman in Britain’. For the majority of the Nineties, the bad press attracted by her relationship with Charles made a her a target of extreme criticism. Comparisons were made with Diana, Princess of Wales, and they were not kind, with most unable to understand why Charles preferred the company of his mistress to his wife – and sympathy for Diana after her infamous complaint ‘there were three of us in the marriage so it was a bit crowded’. Even within the Royal Family, their relationship was frowned upon with the Queen refusing to spend time with Camilla and allegedly once referring to her as ‘that wicked…

Having renovated her stunning Victorian home and garden - Katy Harwood has gained a whopping 40.8K followers on Instagram @katy.harwood.life proving that the Peak District is as idyllic as ever and a great place to find inspiration… MAKE AN ENTRANCE There’s nothing like creating an entrance that stands out. Aside from the pretty trees, the personalised Harwood House doormat is extra special – and you can create your own version from just £21.55, at Etsy.co.uk DIVINE DECOR Should you love Katy’s gorgeous coffee table accessories as much as us, her stoneglow fragrance diffuser is from @atouchofnom – while her beautiful bouqet of flowers is from @lovedelivered flowers and the statment silver tray is @halcyon_london_ NATURAL STYLE Having kept the room minimal, Katy’s kitchen corner is practical as well as country…

For the week 25 April - 1 May, with Psychic B TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Actors Renée Zellweger, Daniel Day-Lewis and other Taureans need peace and comfort. It’s time to reconsider your finances. Use your common sense and take your time with decisions. If possible, hold back until after the 15th, as you may change your mind. If waiting for news, keep the faith, it’s on the way. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June After a busy few weeks looking at new possibilities, you’re in need of home comforts. When dealing with someone’s difficult energy, try communicating as relationships are mirrors. Step back from socialising for now, as you might have bitten off more than you can chew. CANCER 22 June – 23 July After taking advice on…

VARDY V ROONEY: THE WAGATHA CHRISTIE TRIAL From now until 20 May, Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial, has transferred to the Ambassadors Theatre! A ‘laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly thoughtful’ production. For tickets, see atgtickets.com. AMAZING LIFE STORIES: PATSY KENSIT IN CONVERSATION WITH LORRAINE & TRISH Actress, writer and media personality Patsy Kensit shares her life story. Warm, candid and funny, Patsy is one you won’t want to miss! To book, visit postcardsfrommidlifelive.co.uk/speakers JERSEY BOYS They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story as this production at Trafalgar Theatre reveals. For tickets, see jerseyboysmusical.londontheatredirect.com…

1 Doodle your worries away Journalling is a great anxiety soother, but if writing isn’t your thing, doodling could be for you. ‘Physically holding a pencil and making marks on paper has been shown to activate our creative flow state, which helps calm us,’ says yoga and wellbeing expert Amy Malloy (theworldofamy.com). Keep a pad and pen handy to doodle when you feel anxious. 2 Love your gut Eat an apple a day to give your microbiome a boost. ‘A recent study showed that an organic apple contains 1,000 beneficial probiotic bacteria that are good for your gut,’ says Mo Wilde, research herbalist and author of The Wilderness Cure. ‘Eating one a day right down to the core will enrich your gut microbiome by 100m bacterial cells – more diversity than a…